A+ Schools hosting discussion budget cuts in Pgh. schools

A+ Schools, Pittsburgh's community alliance for public education, will host a community discussion on the potential impact of millions of dollars in budget cuts facing the city school district beginning at 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 27 at the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers building in South Side.

Held in cooperation with the Pittsburgh Public Schools, the meeting — a follow up to an earlier community discussion — will bring parents, students and community members together to hear details from Superintendent Dr. Linda Lane about the city's $100 million budget shortfall and learn about difficult decisions being considered by the district. Attendees can also weigh in on budget priorities using hand-held polling devices.

"This is a defining moment for Pittsburgh Public Schools. The community has the opportunity to play a critical role in shaping the decision-making process and determining what kind of school district we will have," said Carey Harris, A+ Schools' executive director.

Ms. Harris said the meeting will help community members better understand the scope of the district's budget problems and learn how A+ Schools is taking steps to ensure the public is part of the process. Attendees also will have the opportunity to participate in hand-held polling on budget priorities.

The community discussion will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 27 at the PFT, 10 S. 19th Street in South Side. Light refreshments will be served and childcare is available.

To register for the event, contact A+ Schools by phone at 412-697-1298 or register online at www.aplusschools.org.